Minister Hutchins Backs Monica Sharma Raizada’s Campaign for Wyndham City Council’s Iramoo Ward
Bureau Report
Monica Sharma Raizada, a dedicated teacher, community volunteer, and women’s advocate, officially launched her campaign for Wyndham City Council’s Iramoo Ward.
The launch event, held in the presence of prominent community members, had Victoria’s Minister for Women, Jobs, and Industry, Natalie Hutchins, as the guest of honour. Raizada’s campaign highlights her decade-long commitment to serving the Wyndham community and her vision for a safer, more inclusive, and resource-equipped region.
Why Monica Sharma Raizada is Running
At the event, Monica shared her journey to candidacy, emphasising how Minister Hutchins personally encouraged her to step forward and stand for election.
“Minister Hutchins called me into her office and explained why it’s important for people like me, who have been working tirelessly as a teacher, domestic violence (DV) support adviser, and women’s advocate, to represent the community in a more official capacity,”
Raizada said.
Minister Hutchins praised Raizada for her invaluable contributions, saying, “My mission is to see 50 per cent of council positions filled by women this year.
“Monica is a great fit for that mission—her dedication to the community, her leadership, and her experience working with people in need make her an ideal candidate.”
Raizada echoed this sentiment, urging the community to support her in the upcoming election. “I have spent more than a decade helping over 700 families facing hardship, conflicts, and family violence.
“Now, I’m asking for your support to continue this work and bring real, meaningful change to the people of Wyndham.”
A Background in Service and Advocacy
Monica Sharma Raizada’s background in both education and community service speaks volumes about her qualifications for the role. A state school teacher and counsellor by profession, Raizada has also worked as a lecturer in Economics and Business Development Manager (BDM) in banking.
She holds multiple qualifications, including a Master’s in Economics, a Diploma in Education, a Diploma in Counselling, and certifications in Finance, Assessment, and Training.
In addition to her professional roles, Raizada has been a community volunteer for over ten years. She is the President of the Women of Wyndham (WOW) and Chair of the Wyndham Interfaith Network. She also serves as the director of several organisations, including Multicultural Women of the World and Vedic Global.
Her exceptional contributions to the community were recognised when she was awarded the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s Meritorious Service to the Community award. Raizada also served on the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s Advisory Board for seven years, contributing to policies that impact multicultural communities across the state.
Monica’s Campaign Priorities
Raizada’s campaign is rooted in addressing the real issues faced by the people of Wyndham. In her speech, she outlined the key areas she plans to focus on:
Better Education and Resources for State Schools: “Our schools need more engaging programs for our youth and additional resources to meet the growing needs of the community,” she said.
Enhanced Safety for Residents: Raizada pledged to advocate for increased police presence and better laws to improve the safety of Wyndham’s hard-working residents.
Improved Roads and Transport: “Congested roads during peak hours are a daily challenge for our community. We need better connections to free-ways and more efficient transport solutions,” she explained.
Increased Employment Opportunities for Locals: With a strong background in business development, Raizada emphasised the importance of creating more jobs for locals.
More Programs for Seniors: Raizada also highlighted the need for greater attention to seniors in the community, promising to advocate for programs that cater to their needs.
Community Support and Endorsements
Many attendees at the campaign launch spoke passionately about the impact Raizada has had on the Wyndham community. Key themes among the speakers were her unwavering dedication to helping women and families in distress, her leadership in community organisations, and her advocacy for multiculturalism.
One supporter said,
“Monica is more than just a community leader—she is a true champion for the people of Wyndham. She has supported families in their darkest times and has always worked for the betterment of our community.”
Another supporter added, “Her work with domestic violence survivors and her efforts to ensure women are represented in business and leadership roles show her commitment to empowerment. She has my full support.”
Looking Ahead
Monica Sharma Raizada’s candidacy for the Iramoo Ward in the Wyndham City Council elections represents a step forward for inclusive, community-driven leadership. Her commitment to serving the people of Wyndham and her vision for a safer, more prosperous region resonate deeply with the local community.
Raizada remains focused on bringing much-needed resources and services to Wyndham as her campaign gathers momentum. She concluded her campaign launch with a call to action:
“Together, we can bring the change Wyndham needs. I’m ready to work hard for our community—now I’m asking for your support to make it happen.”
With her impressive educational background, community service, and business background, Monica Sharma Raizada is poised to be a strong contender in the upcoming Wyndham City Council elections. Her campaign promises a future of better education, safer communities, and a more vibrant and connected Wyndham.
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